Pregnant Woman Dies at Katigorah Private Hospital; Family Alleges Medical Negligence, 2 Doctors Among 4 Detained

A pregnant woman’s death allegedly due to medical negligence at Central Hospital, a newly opened private facility in Katigorah, Cachar, triggered massive outrage and chaos on Friday evening (July 11). The situation escalated so rapidly that police had to resort to a mild lathi charge and detain four individuals, including two doctors. Tension prevailed in the area till late at night as hundreds gathered outside the hospital demanding justice.

The deceased, 22-year-old Ramjana Begum from Kalain, was admitted to Central Hospital, Kalain, on Friday morning by her husband, Ali Haidar. She underwent a caesarean section around noon and gave birth to a baby boy. Initially, the procedure appeared successful, but the family was soon informed that her condition was deteriorating and that she had been shifted to the ICU.

Family members alleged that the hospital staff repeatedly avoided giving clear updates about her condition. “When I came with her in the morning, they said they’d provide the best service, even better than some hospitals in Silchar,” said her father-in-law. “I asked if experienced doctors were available, and they assured us they were. Only after the surgery, we found out that there were no qualified doctors around. They kept saying she was on oxygen support. But for how long can you keep a patient on oxygen without proper treatment?”

As hours passed and confusion deepened, Katigorah police arrived at the hospital around 4:45 PM to diffuse the growing tension. The family, increasingly suspicious, confronted the hospital staff. It was then that they were told Ramjana was on a ventilator. Sensing something was terribly wrong, family members realised she may have already passed away and began accusing the hospital of hiding the truth.

One relative, visibly angry, said, “This is the third such case in just one month in this newly opened hospital. Only ten minutes before, I spoke to her, and now she’s gone? These are not doctors—they kill people. And now, all of them have fled the premises.”

The victim’s mother and mother-in-law broke down upon hearing the news. Both were inconsolable and refused to accept the death, sitting outside the hospital in disbelief. As word spread, hundreds gathered at the hospital gate. The atmosphere turned tense, with protestors shouting slogans and alleging that unqualified individuals were operating surgeries in the hospital. Some even claimed that “Munna Bhai MBBS-style” practices were rampant, where surgeries were being performed without proper expertise.

In the chaos, a relative attacked a hospital staffer at the reception. Police intervened swiftly and prevented further escalation. To defuse the tension, additional forces were called in from Kalain, Gumrah and Silchar. Katigorah Circle Officer Dr Robert Tolar and later Deputy Superintendent of Police arrived to assess the situation.

As the crowd continued to swell and demand justice, police detained four people from the hospital, namely, Dr G.D. Dewri (government doctor, also affiliated with Katigorah Model Hospital), Dr Tasmin Sumaiya Laskar, Ashraful Islam (lab technician) and one other unidentified staff member

Meanwhile, Central Hospital’s in-charge Dr Saptarshi Chakraborty, along with Ramesh Paul, Animesh Das and others named in the FIR filed by Ramjana’s husband, are currently absconding.

The deceased’s body has been sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem. Sources confirmed that the hospital did not suffer significant damage, though some stone-pelting was reported during the unrest. A mild lathi charge by paramilitary forces helped control the crowd around 8:30 PM.

Authorities have assured a full investigation. However, locals remain on edge, with many demanding the immediate closure of the hospital and criminal proceedings against those responsible.

As the investigation proceeds, the spotlight is once again on the unchecked rise of private healthcare facilities with questionable standards and oversight.